Joseki Encyclopedia

Star Point 3-3 Direct Extension

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star-point-three-three-extend-joseki

Level: beginner/intermediate
Updated: 2026-05-19
Concepts: direct extension · local settlement · tenuki timing
Tags: joseki · star-point · 3-3 invasion · direct extension

Lesson board

Star point 3-3 invasion, direct extension.

Lower-left corner

Black plan

The simple line for this lesson. Black extends straight to the outside and keeps the continuation flexible.

White settle

White makes a compact base and leaves Black's outside stones for later whole-board judgment.

Sequence

setup

Black 1 star point, White 2 enters the corner

White reduces the star-point corner by entering low and asking Black to choose a direction.

The lesson focuses on the direct extension line. Black blocks, White stands up, and Black goes straight outward instead of playing hane into a thicker but more forcing contact line.

This is a simple way to remember the shape: White lives locally, while Black keeps a light outside line.

Later notes

Main sequence

Black direct extension: simple outside line

Black extends instead of playing hane. The shape is lighter and easier to leave than the thicker contact-fight lines.

This is the beginner-friendly result when you want the local position to stay simple.

Main sequence

White small knight: stable local finish

White answers the direct extension by small-knighting into a settled corner shape.

Once this base is made, the local joseki is usually complete for beginner purposes.

Direction note

Tenuki after settlement: leave the shape alone

The next move often belongs elsewhere. Nearby stones decide whether either side should later connect, lean, or start a fight.

Do not memorize one automatic continuation after the small-knight finish.

Future follow-up

Advanced follow-ups are context-heavy

Black has later small-diagonal, attachment, flying, crawling, and hane ideas, but each one depends heavily on nearby stones.

For this lesson, learn the direct extension result first and treat those follow-ups as a separate study topic.

Timing note

The corner is no longer an empty corner

After several local exchanges, the remaining corner boundary is often endgame rather than an urgent opening play.

Use the opening to head out or play a larger point unless the whole board gives a special reason.

Mistake map